The experts at Smart Grooming UK, and showing guru Kate Jerram-Hunnable, share their advice for applying make-up to your horse.
Practice makes perfect, and it's always wise to make sure you are confident in the application of make-up to your horse well in advance of your first competitive outing. You may find that you have to blend colours to achieve the exact shade you need and just as with people, the golden rule for applying make-up to your horse is "less is more". A no-shine, matte finish is best to cover scars or even-out markings, but adding a small amount of Super Shine will enhance the places you want to stand out such as the muzzle, eyes, knees and hocks.
Using a clean sponge apply your chosen shade of Smart Grooming Make-Up over the area you wish to enhance, or disguise. Begin by applying a thin layer working into the horse's coat and ensuring that the colour reaches the skin and completely covers the hair follicles. You may need several applications to achieve the correct coverage.
Next, using a clean cloth, remove any excess by carefully blotting the area rather than scrubbing. This is a great way to blend makeup in for a more natural look. This is especially important when applying make-up around the eyes to avoid the panda-look.
For an extra glossy, show-ring finish, apply a thin layer of Enhancing Gloss over the make-up. And that's it!
TOP TIPS: Wear disposable gloves! Always do a patch test and practise at home with plenty of time before a show. This way you will be able to experiment with colours, shades and techniques.
BEFORE
To watch a short video about Smart Grooming Make-Up click here.
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